As for the program, it's just the basic mspaint program that came with the computer. I've learned to use it, and am still learning to use it, but wouldn't mind trying something new.

Alright... Here we go:

Found a program a while back called D-Pixed. It is a drawing program that does manga-style shading and the like. It was basically a manga-maker program. Only does black and white, though.
<a href="http://doichan.netbank.co.jp/software/dpixed/download-e.html">
http://doichan.netbank.co.jp/software/d ... oad-e.html</a>

There's a new one called Open Canvas. Haven't tooled around with it at all, but it says it supports 32-bit graphics (I assume that means color processing), layers, and "natural painting effects." Don Miguel (famous for his RPG Maker 2000 translation) has a translation of his program downloadable from any of his RM2K mirror sites. It is item #5 in his "what's new" list.
<a href="http://rm2k.chat.ru/">
http://rm2k.chat.ru/</a>